Report of General Robert E.
Lee, C.S. Army,
Commanding Army of Northern Virginia,
Battle of FredericksburgO.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXI [S# 31]

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
December 14, 1862.

Hon. SECRETARY OF WAR,
Richmond, Va.

SIR: On the night of the 10th instant, the enemy commenced
to throw three bridges over the Rappahannock, two at Fredericksburg and the third about 1
1/4 miles below, near the mouth of Deep Run. The plain on which Fredericksburg stands is
so completely commanded by the hills of Stafford (in possession of the enemy) that no
effectual opposition could be offered to the construction of the bridges or the passage of
the river without exposing our troops to the destructive fire of his numerous batteries.
Positions were, therefore, selected to oppose his advance after crossing. The narrowness
of the Rappahannock, its winding course, and deep bed afforded opportunity for the
construction of bridges at points beyond the reach of our artillery, and the banks had to
be watched by skirmishers. The latter, sheltering themselves behind the houses, drove back
the working parties of the enemy at the bridges opposite the city, but at the lowest point
of crossing, where no shelter could be had, our sharpshooters were themselves driven off,
and the completion of that bridge was effected about noon on the 11th.
In the afternoon of that day, the enemy's batteries opened upon the
city, and by dark had so demolished the houses on the river bank as to deprive our
skirmishers of shelter, and under cover of his guns he effected a lodgment in the town.
The troops which had so gallantly held their position in the city under the severe
cannonade during the day, resisting the advance of the enemy at every step, were withdrawn
during the night, as were also those who, with equal tenacity, had maintained their post
at the lowest bridge. Under cover of darkness and of a dense fog on the 12th, a large
force passed the river and took position on the right bank, protected by their heavy guns
on the left.
The morning of the 13th, his arrangements for attack being completed,
about 9 o'clock (the movement veiled by a fog) he advanced boldly in large force against
our right wing. General Jackson's corps occupied the right of our line, which rested on
the railroad; General Longstreet's the left, extending along the heights to the
Rappahannock above Fredericksburg. General Stuart, with two brigades of cavalry, was
posted in the extensive plain on our extreme right. As soon as the advance of the enemy
was discovered through the fog, General Stuart, with his accustomed promptness, moved up a
section of his horse artillery, which opened with effect upon his flank and drew upon the
gallant Pelham a heavy fire, which he sustained unflinchingly for about two hours.
In the mean time the enemy was fiercely encountered by General A. P.
Hill's division, forming General Jackson's right, and, after an obstinate combat,
repulsed. During this attack, which was protracted and hotly contested, two of General
Hill's brigades were driven back upon our second line. General Early, with part of his
division, being ordered to his support, drove the enemy back from the point of woods he
had seized, and pursued him into the plain until arrested by his artillery. The right of
the enemy's column, extending beyond Hill's front, encountered the right of General Hood,
of Longstreet's corps. The enemy took possession of a small copse in front of Hood, but
were quickly dispossessed and repulsed with loss.
During the attack on our right, the enemy was crossing troops over his
bridges at Fredericksburg and massing them in front of Longstreet's line. Soon after his
repulse on our right, he commenced a series of attacks on our left with a view of
obtaining possession of the heights immediately overlooking the town. These repeated
attacks were repulsed in gallant style by the Washington Artillery, under Colonel [J. B.]
Walton, and a portion of McLaws' division, which occupied these heights. The last assault
was made after dark, when Colonel [E. P.] Alexander's battalion had relieved the
Washington Artillery (whose ammunition had been exhausted), and ended the contest for the
day.
The enemy was supported in his attacks by the fire of strong batteries
of artillery on the right bank of the river, as well as by his numerous heavy batteries on
the Stafford Heights.
Our loss during the operations since the movements of the enemy began
amounts to about 1,800 killed and wounded. Among the former I regret to report the death
of the patriotic soldier and statesman, Brig. Gen. Thomas R. R. Cobb, who fell upon our
left, and among the latter that brave soldier and accomplished gentleman, Brig. Gen. Maxcy
Gregg, who was very seriously, and it is feared mortally, wounded during the attack on our
right.
The enemy today has been apparently engaged in caring for his wounded
and burying his dead. His troops are visible in their first position in line of battle,
but, with the exception of some desultory cannonading and firing between skirmishers, he
has not attempted to renew the attack. About 550 prisoners were taken during the
engagement, but the full extent of his loss is unknown.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. E. LEE,
General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
Near Fredericksburg, Va,, December 16, 1862.

Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON,
Secretary of War, Richmond, Va.

SIR: I have the honor to report that the army of General
Burnside re crossed the Rappahannock last night, leaving a number of his dead and some of
his wounded on this side. Our skirmishers again occupy Fredericksburg and the south bank
of the river. Large camps and wagon trains are visible on the hills of Stafford, and his
heavy guns occupy their former position on that bank. There is nothing to indicate his
future purpose. I have sent one brigade of cavalry down the Rappahannock, and have put
Jackson's corps in motion in the same direction. I think it probable an attempt will be
made to cross at Port Royal. Another brigade of cavalry has been sent up the Rappahannock,
with orders, if opportunity offers, to cross and penetrate the enemy's rear and endeavor
to ascertain his intention. I learn from prisoners that the three grand divisions of
General Burnside's army, viz, Hooker's, [E. V.] Sumner's, and [W. B.] Franklin's, crossed
this side, and were engaged in the battle of the 13th. They also state that the corps of
Generals [S. P.] Heintzelman and Sigel reached Fredericksburg Sunday evening. Should the
enemy cross at Port Royal in force before I can get this army in position to meet him, I
think it more advantageous to retire to the Annas and give battle than on the banks of the
Rappahannock. My design was to have done so in the first instance. My purpose was changed
not from any advantage in this position, but from an unwillingness to open more of our
country to depredation than possible, and also with a view of collecting such forage and
provisions as could be obtained in the Rappahannock Valley. With the numerous army opposed
to me, and the bridges and transportation at its command, the crossing of the
Rappahannock, where it is as narrow and winding as in the vicinity of Fredericksburg, can
be made at almost any point without molestation. It will, therefore, be more advantageous
to us to draw him farther away from his base of operations.
The loss of the enemy in the battle of the 13th seems to have been
heavy, though I have no means of computing it accurately. An intelligent prisoner says he
heard it stated in the army to have amounted to 19,000, though a citizen of Fredericksburg
who remained in the city computes it at 10,000. I think the latter number nearer the truth
than the former.
I hope there will be no relaxation in making every preparation for the
contest which will have to be renewed, but at what point I cannot now state.
I have learned that on the side of the enemy Generals Bayard and
Jackson were killed, and Generals Hooker and [John] Gibbon wounded; the former said to be
severely so.

I am, most respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. E. LEE,
General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
April 10, 1863.

General S. COOPER,
Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va.

GENERAL: I have the honor to submit herewith my report of
the operations of this army from the time that it moved from Culpeper CourtHouse, in
November, 1862, and including the battle of Fredericksburg. This report is sent in prior
to reports of some of the preceding operations in consequence of the subordinate reports
of this period having been first received. I have not yet received all the reports of the
division and corps commanders for the intervening period, but hope soon to be able to
furnish to the Department complete records of our operations during the last campaign.

I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient
servant,
R. E. LEE,
General.

FREDERICKSBURG.

On November 15, [1862,] it was known that the enemy was in
motion toward the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, and one regiment of infantry, with a
battery of light artillery, was sent to re-enforce the garrison at Fredericksburg.
On the 17th, it was ascertained that Sumner's corps had marched from
Catlett's Station in the direction of Falmouth, and information was also received that on
the 15th some Federal gunboats and transports had entered Aquia Creek. This looked as if
Fredericksburg was again to be occupied, and McLaws' and Ransom's divisions, accompanied
by W. H. F. Lee's brigade of cavalry and Lane's battery, were ordered to proceed to that
city. To ascertain more fully the movements of the enemy, General Stuart was directed to
cross the Rappahannock.
On the morning of the 18th, he forced a passage at Warrenton Springs in
the face of a regiment of cavalry and three pieces of artillery, guarding the ford, and
reached Warrenton soon after the last of the enemy's column had left. The information he
obtained confirmed the previous reports, and it was clear that the whole Federal Army,
under Major-General Burnside, was moving toward Fredericksburg.
On the morning of the 19th, therefore, the remainder of Longstreet's
corps was put in motion for that point. The advance of General Sumner reached Falmouth on
the afternoon of the 17th, and attempted to cross the Rappahannock, but was driven back by
Colonel [William B.] Ball with the Fifteenth Virginia Cavalry, four companies of
Mississippi infantry, and [Capt. J. W.] Lewis' light battery.
On the 21st, it became apparent that General Burnside was concentrating
his whole army on the north side of the Rappahannock.
On the same day, General Sumner summoned the corporate authorities of
Fredericksburg to surrender the place by 5 p. m., and threatened, in case of refusal, to
bombard the city at 9 o'clock next morning. The weather had been tempestuous for two days,
and a storm was raging at the time of the summons. It was impossible to prevent the
execution of the threat to shell the city, as it was completely exposed to the batteries
on the Stafford hills, which were beyond our reach. The city authorities were informed
that, while our forces would not use the place for military purposes, its occupation by
the enemy would be resisted, and directions were given for the removal of the women and
children as rapidly as possible. The threatened bombardment did not take place, but, in
view of the imminence of a collision between the two armies, the in. habitants were
advised to leave the city, and almost the entire population, without a murmur, abandoned
their homes. History presents no instance of a people exhibiting a purer and more
unselfish patriotism or a higher spirit of fortitude and courage than was evinced by the
citizens of Fredericksburg. They cheerfully incurred great hardships and privations, and
surrendered their homes and property to destruction rather than yield them into the hands
of the enemies of their country.
General Burnside now commenced his preparations to force the passage of
the Rappahannock and advance upon Richmond. When his army first began to move toward
Fredericksburg, General Jackson, in pursuance of instructions, crossed the Blue Ridge, and
placed his corps in the vicinity of Orange Court-House, to enable him more promptly to
co-operate with Longstreet.
About November 26, he was directed to advance toward Fredericksburg,
and as some Federal gunboats had appeared in the river at Port Royal, and it was possible
that an attempt might be made to cross in that vicinity, D. H. Hill's division was
stationed near that place, and the rest of Jackson's corps so disposed as to support Hill
or Longstreet, as occasion might require. The fords of the Rappahannock above
Fredericksburg were closely guarded by our cavalry, and the brigade of General W. H. F.
Lee was stationed near Port Royal, to watch the river above and below.
On the 28th, General Hampton, guarding the Upper Rappahannock, crossed
to make a reconnaissance on the enemy's right, and, proceeding as far as Dumfries and
Occoquan, encountered and dispersed his cavalry, capturing two squadrons and a number of
wagons. About the same time some dismounted men of Beale's regiment, Lee's brigade,
crossed in boats below Port Royal, to observe the enemy's left, and took a number of
prisoners.
On December 5, General D. H. Hill, with some of his field guns,
assisted by Major Pelham, of Stuart's Horse Artillery, attacked the gun. boats at Port
Royal and caused them to retire. With these exceptions, no important movement took place,
but it became evident that the advance of the enemy would not be long delayed. The
interval was employed in strengthening our lines, extending from the river about 1½ miles
above Fredericksburg along the range of hills in the rear of the city to the Richmond
railroad. As these hills were commanded by the opposite heights in possession of the
enemy, earthworks were constructed upon their crest at the most eligible positions for
artillery. These positions were judiciously chosen and fortified, under the direction of
Brigadier-General Pendleton, chief of artillery ; Colonel Cabell, of McLaws' division;
Col. E. P. Alexander, and Capt. S. R. Johnston, of the engineers. To prevent gunboats from
ascending the river, a battery, protected by intrenchments, was placed on the bank, about
4 miles below the city, in an excellent position, selected by my aide-de-camp, Major [T.
M. R.] Talcott. The plain of Fredericksburg is so completely commanded by the Stafford
Heights that no effectual opposition could be made to the construction of bridges or the
passage of the river without exposing our troops to the destructive fire of the numerous
batteries of the enemy. At the same time the narrowness of the Rappahannock, its winding
course, and deep bed presented opportunities for laying down bridges at points secure from
the fire of our artillery. Our position was, therefore, selected with a view to resist the
enemy's advance after crossing, and the river was guarded only by a force sufficient to
impede his movements until the army could be concentrated.
Before dawn, on December 11, our signal guns announced that the enemy
was in motion. About 2 a.m. he commenced preparations to throw two bridges over the
Rappahannock, opposite Fredericksburg, and one about 1¼ miles below, near the mouth of
Deep Run. Two regiments of Barksdale's brigade, McLaws' division (the Seventeenth and
Eighteenth Mississippi), guarded these points; the former, assisted by the Eighth Florida,
of Anderson's division, being at the upper. The rest of the brigade, with the Third
Georgia Regiment, also of Anderson's division, was held in reserve in the city. From
daybreak until 4 p.m. the troops, sheltered behind the houses on the river bank, repelled
the repeated efforts of the enemy to lay his bridges opposite the town, driving back his
working parties and their supports with great slaughter. At the lower point, where there
was no such protection, the enemy was successfully resisted until nearly noon, when, being
greatly exposed to the fire of the batteries on the opposite heights and a superior force
of infantry on the river bank, our troops were withdrawn, and about 1 p.m. the bridge was
completed.
Soon afterward, one hundred and fifty pieces of artillery opened a
furious fire upon the city, causing our troops to retire from the river
bank about 4 p. m. The enemy then crossed in boats and proceeded rapidly to lay down the
bridges. His advance into the town was bravely resisted until dark, when our troops were
recalled, the necessary time for concentration having been gained.
During the night and the succeeding day the enemy crossed in large
numbers at and below the town, secured from material interruption by a dense fog. Our
artillery could only be used with effect when the occasional clearing of the mist rendered
his columns visible. His batteries on the Stafford Heights fired at intervals upon our
position. Longstreet's corps constituted our left, with Anderson's division resting upon
the river, and those of McLaws, Pickett, and Hood extending to the right in the order
named. Ransom's division supported the batteries on Marye's and Willis' Hills, at the foot
of which Cobb's brigade, of McLaws' division, and the Twenty-fourth North Carolina, of
Ransom's brigade, were stationed, protected by a stone wall. The immediate care of this
point was committed to General Ransom. The Washington Artillery, under Colonel Walton,
occupied the redoubts on the crest of Marye's Hill, and those on the heights to the right
and left were held by part of the reserve artillery, Col. E. P. Alexander's battalion, and
the division batteries of Anderson, Ransom, and McLaws. A.P. Hill, of Jackson's corps, was
posted between Hood's right and Hamilton's Crossing on the railroad. His front line,
consisting of the brigades of Pender, Lane, and Archer, occupied the edge of a wood.
Lieutenant-Colonel Walker, with fourteen pieces of artillery, was posted near the right,
supported by the Fortieth and Fifty-fifth Virginia Regiments, of Field's brigade,
commanded by Colonel Brockenbrough. Lane's brigade, thrown forward in advance of the
general line, held the woods, which here projected into the open ground. Thomas' brigade
was stationed behind the interval between Lane and Pender; Gregg's in rear of that,
between Lane and Archer. These two brigades, with the Forty-seventh Virginia Regiment and
Twenty-second Virginia Battalion, of Field's brigade, constituted General Hill's reserve.
Early's and Taliaferro's divisions composed Jackson's second line; D. H. Hill's division
his reserve. His artillery was distributed along his line in the most eligible positions,
so as to command the open ground in front. General Stuart, with two brigades of cavalry
and his Horse Artillery, occupied the plain on Jackson's right, extending to Massaponax
Creek.
On the morning of the 13th, the plain on which the Federal army lay was
still enveloped in fog, making it impossible to discern its operations. At an early hour
the batteries on the heights of Stafford began to play upon Longstreet's position. Shortly
after 9 a.m. the partial rising of the mist disclosed a large force moving in line of
battle against Jackson. Dense masses appeared in front of A. P. Hill, stretching far up
the river in the direction of Fredericksburg. As they advanced, Major Pelham, of Stuart's
Horse Artillery, who was stationed near the Port Royal road with one section, opened a
rapid and well-directed enfilade fire, which arrested their progress. Four batteries
immediately turned upon him, but he sustained their heavy fire with the unflinching
courage that ever distinguished him. Upon his withdrawal, the enemy extended his left down
the Port Royal road, and his numerous batteries opened with vigor upon Jackson's line.
Eliciting no response his infantry moved forward to seize the position occupied by
Lieutenant-Colonel Walker. The latter, reserving his fire until their line had approached
within less than 800 yards, opened upon it with such destructive effect as to cause it to
waver and soon to retreat in confusion.
About 1 p.m. the main attack on our right began by a furious cannonade,
under cover of which three compact lines of infantry advanced against Hill's front. They
were received, as before, by our batteries, by whose fire they were momentarily checked,
but, soon recovering, they pressed forward until, coming within range of our infantry, the
contest became fierce and bloody. Archer and Lane repulsed those portions of the line
immediately in front of them, but before the interval between these commands could be
closed, the enemy pressed through in overwhelming numbers and turned the left of Archer
and the right of Lane. Attacked in front and flank, two regiments of the former and the
brigade of the latter, after a brave and obstinate resistance, gave way. Archer held his
line with the First Tennessee, and, with the Fifth Alabama Battalion, assisted by the
Forty-seventh Virginia Regiment and the Twenty-second Virginia Battalion, continued the
struggle until the arrival of re-enforcements. Thomas came gallantly to the relief of
Lane, and, joined by the Seventh and part of the Eighteenth North Carolina, of that
brigade, repulsed the column that had broken Lane's line and drove it back to the
railroad.
In the mean time a large force had penetrated the wood as far as Hill's
reserve, and encountered Gregg's brigade. The attack was so sudden and unexpected that
Orr's Rifles, mistaking the enemy for our own troops retiring, were thrown into confusion.
While in the act of rallying them, that brave soldier and true patriot, Brig. Gen. Maxcy
Gregg, fell, mortally wounded. Colonel Hamilton, upon whom the command devolved, with the
four remaining regiments of the brigade and one company of the Rifles, met the enemy
firmly and checked his further progress. The second line was advancing to the support of
the first. Lawton's brigade, of Early's division, under Colonel Atkinson, first
encountered the enemy, quickly followed on the right and left by the brigades of Trimble
(under Colonel Hoke) and Early (under Colonel Walker). Taliaferro's division moved forward
at the same time on Early's left, and his right regiment (the Second Virginia, belonging
to Paxton's brigade) joined in the attack. The contest in the woods was short and
decisive. The enemy was quickly routed and driven out with loss, and, though largely
re-enforced, he was forced back and pursued to the shelter of the railroad embankment.
Here he was gallantly charged by the brigades of Hoke and Atkinson, and driven across the
plain to his batteries. Atkinson continuing the pursuit too far, his flank became exposed,
and at the same time a heavy fire of musketry and artillery was directed against his
front. Its ammunition becoming exhausted, and Colonel Atkinson being severely, and Capt.
E. P. Lawton, [assistant] adjutant-general, mortally, wounded, the brigade was compelled
to fall back to the main body, now occupying our original line of battle, with detachments
thrown forward to the railroad.
The attack on Hill's left was repulsed by the artillery on that part of
the line, against which the enemy directed a hot fire from twenty-four guns. One brigade
advanced up Deep Run, sheltered by its banks from our batteries, but was charged and put
to flight by the Sixteenth North Carolina, of Pender's brigade, assisted by the
Fifty-fourth and Fifty-seventh North Carolina, of Law's brigade, Hood's division. The
repulse of the enemy on our right was decisive, and the attack was not renewed, but his
batteries kept up an active fire at intervals, and sharpshooters skirmished along the
front during the rest of the afternoon.
While these events were transpiring on our right, the enemy, in
formidable numbers, made repeated and desperate assaults upon the left of our line.
About 11 a.m., having massed his troops under cover of the houses of
Fredericksburg, he moved forward in strong columns to seize Marye's and Willis' Hills.
General Ransom advanced Cooke's brigade to the top of the hill, and placed his own, with
the exception of the Twenty-fourth North Carolina, a short distance in the rear. All the
batteries on the Stafford Heights directed their fire upon the positions occupied by our
artillery, with a view to silence it and cover the movement of the infantry. Without
replying to this furious cannonade, our batteries poured a rapid and destructive fire into
the dense lines of the enemy as they advanced to the attack, frequently
breaking their ranks and forcing them to retreat to the shelter of the houses. Six times
did the enemy, notwithstanding the havoc caused by our batteries, press on with great
determination to within 100 yards of the foot or' the hill, but here encountering the
deadly fir e of our infantry, his columns were broken and fled in confusion to the town.
In the third assault, the brave and lamented Brig. Gen. Thomas R. R.
Cobb fell, at the head of his gallant troops, and, almost at the same moment,
Brigadier-General Cooke was borne from the field severely wounded. Fearing that Cobb's
brigade might exhaust its ammunition, General Longstreet had directed General Kershaw to
take two regiments to its support. Arriving after the fall of General Cobb, he assumed
command, his troops taking position on the crest and at the foot of the hill, to which
point General transom also advanced three other regiments. The Washington Artillery, which
had sustained the heavy fire of artillery and infantry with unshaken steadiness and
contributed much to the repulse of the enemy, having exhausted its ammunition, was
relieved about 4 p.m. by Colonel Alexander's battalion. The latter occupied the position
during the rest of the engagement, and, by its well-directed fire, rendered great
assistance in repelling the assaults made in the afternoon, the last of which occurred
shortly before dark. This effort met the fate of those that preceded it, and, when night
closed in, the shattered masses of the enemy had disappeared in the town, leaving the
field covered with dead and wounded. Anderson's division supported the batteries on
Longstreet's left, and, though not engaged, was exposed throughout the day to a hot
artillery fire, which it sustained with steady courage.
During the night our lines were strengthened by the construction of
earthworks at exposed points, and preparations made to receive the enemy next day.
The 14th, however, passed without a renewal of the attack. The enemy's
batteries on both sides of the river played upon our lines at intervals, our own firing
but little. The sharpshooters on each side skirmished occasionally along the front.
On the 15th, the enemy still retained his position, apparently ready
for battle, but the day passed as the preceding. The attack on the 13th had been so easily
repulsed, and by so small a part of our army, that it was not supposed the enemy would
limit his efforts to an attempt, which, in view of the magnitude of his preparations and
the extent of his force, seemed to be comparatively insignificant. Believing, therefore,
that he would attack us, it was not deemed expedient to lose the advantages of our
position and expose the troops to the fire of his inaccessible batteries beyond the river,
by advancing against him; but we were necessarily ignorant of the extent to which he had
suffered, and only became aware of it when, on the morning of the 16th, it was discovered
that he had availed himself of the darkness of night, and the prevalence of a violent
storm of wind and rain, to re-cross the river. The town was immediately reoccupied and our
position on the river bank resumed.
In the engagement more than 900 prisoners and 9,000 stand of arms were
taken. A large quantity of ammunition was found at Fredericksburg.
The extent of our casualties will appear from the accompanying report
of the medical director. We have again to deplore the loss of valuable lives. In
Brigadier-Generals Gregg and Cobb, the Confederacy has lost two of its noblest citizens
and the army two of its bravest and most distinguished officers. The country consents to
the sacrifice of such men as these, and the gallant soldiers who fell with them, only to
secure the inestimable blessing they died to obtain. The troops displayed at
Fredericksburg in a high degree the spirit and courage that distinguished them throughout
the campaign, while the calmness and steadiness with which orders were obeyed and
maneuvers executed in the midst of battle, evinced the discipline of a veteran army.
The artillery rendered efficient service on every part of the field,
and greatly assisted in the defeat of the enemy. The batteries were exposed to an
unusually heavy fire of artillery and infantry, which officers and men sustained with a
coolness and courage worthy of the highest praise. Those on our right, being without
defensive works, suffered more severely. Among those who fell was Lieutenant-Colonel
[Lewis M.] Coleman, First Regiment Virginia Artillery, who was mortally wounded while
bravely discharging his duty.
To the vigilance, boldness, and energy of General Stuart and his
cavalry is chiefly due the early and valuable information of the movements of the enemy.
His reconnaissances frequently extended within the Federal lines, resulting in skirmishes
and engagements, in which the cavalry was greatly distinguished. In the battle of
Fredericksburg the cavalry effectually guarded our right, annoying the enemy and
embarrassing his movements by hanging on his flank, and attacking when opportunity
occurred. The nature of the ground and the relative positions of the armies prevented them
from doing more.
To Generals Longstreet and Jackson great praise is due for the
disposition and management of their respective corps. Their quick perception enabled them
to discover the projected assaults upon their positions, and their ready skill to devise
the best means to resist them. Besides their services in the field--which every battle of
the campaign from Richmond to Fredericksburg has served to illustrate--I am also indebted
to them for valuable counsel, both as regards the general operations of the army and the
execution of the particular measures adopted.
To division and brigade commanders I must also express my thanks for
the prompt, intelligent, and determined manner in which they executed their several parts.
To the officers or' the general staff--Brig. Gen. R. H. Chilton,
adjutant and inspector general, assisted by Major [Henry E.] Peyton; Lieutenant-Colonel
[James L.] Corley, chief quartermaster; Lieutenant-Colonel [Robert G.] Cole, chief
commissary; Surgeon Guild, medical director, and Lieut. Col. B. G. Baldwin, chief of
ordnance--were committed the care of their respective departments, and the charge of
supplying the demands upon each. They were always in the field, anticipating, as far as
possible, the wants of the troops.
My personal staff were unremittingly engaged in conveying and bringing
information from all parts of the field. Colonel [Armistead L.] Long was particularly
useful before and during the battle in posting and securing the artillery, in which he was
untiringly aided by Capt. S. R. Johnston, of the Provisional Engineers; Majors [T. M. R.]
Talcott and [Charles S.] Venable, in examining the ground and the approaches of the enemy;
Majors[Walter H.] Taylor and [Charles] Marshall in communicating orders and intelligence.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. E. LEE,
General